Rossi named new dean of Eastman School of Music

Jamal Rossi has been named as the new dean for the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music.

Rossi, who came to the Eastman School in 2005 as senior associate dean, takes over as the Joan and Martin Messinger Dean pending board approval. He had been appointed dean of the school following the illness and resignation of former Dean Douglas Lowry.

“Jamal Rossi’s appointment comes at the conclusion of an international search by a faculty committee chaired by Provost Peter Lennie,” said Joel Seligman, UR president.

“Jamal was selected because of an outstanding track record of accomplishment, including his leadership of the Eastman Theatre renovation and expansion project, his indisputable ability to lead the school and his determination to work with the faculty, staff, alumni and students to craft a new strategic plan that will take Eastman to a new level of even greater accomplishment as the nation’s leading school of music.”

Rossi has more than two decades of experience in music leadership. He said he feels privileged to take over as dean on a permanent basis.

In his former position, Rossi was responsible for the Eastman School's academic programs and personnel as well as academic and student affairs and enrollment management.

From 2006 to 2010, he supervised all aspects of a $47 million project to renovate Eastman Theatre and construct the Eastman East Wing. Rossi also oversaw a review of the undergraduate curriculum and led the school's recent reaccreditation review by the National Association of Schools of Music.

“Eastman’s rich history includes the creation of innovative models for music education, a focus on comprehensive education to prepare students for meaningful lives as outstanding musicians and leaders and an unwavering commitment to excellence," Rossi said.

"With its superb faculty and staff, its talented and motivated students and accomplished alumni, and a commitment to making a difference in the world through music, Eastman is uniquely positioned to help shape the future of music. It is the greatest honor to be asked to help lead Eastman to that future.”